104 ACCOUNT OF A FOSSIL TREE FOUKD 



pointing to the north, and the line of the trunk inclining with 

 the strata to the south ; the dip being one foot in seven. 



\Vlien it was first disengaged from the surrounding mass, it 

 had a complete envelope of coal, incrusting its whole surface : 

 but this interesting portion had been removed by the work- 

 men before I had an opportunity of examining it. Deprived 

 of the coal, the surface still bears a considerable resemblance 

 to bark. 



From the fracture of the stem downwards, the lines or fur- 

 rows are pretty regular ; but as they approach the root, they 

 meet and run into each other. On one side the space between 

 them is slightly convex, while on the opposite it is concave, 

 and somewhat of a fluted appearance. 



Internally there cannot be perceived the slightest vestige of 

 any ligneous structure. The stone of the tree, however, is in 

 some respects different from that of the circumjacent rock : it 

 is in genera] more compact, and contains more iron, and is 

 of course specifically heavier. 



Owing to the impregnation of iron, the colour is in some 

 parts so much deepened, that the workmen mistook it for 

 whin. This difference of colour and of gravity, however, is 

 partial, and does not extend equally through the whole mass 

 of the petrifaction. In some of the roots particularly, the 

 stone is as pure as in any part of the quarry. 



For the following dimensions I am indebted to Colonel 

 Dunlop of Househill the proprietor, who, with that kindness 

 and liberality which distinguishes him, has afforded every faci- 

 lity towards the examination and description of this singular 

 fossil. 



The trunk, independent of the roots, is Jive feet in length. 

 There are four principal roots, each of which measures two 



feet. 



